Picture this: you’re on a luxurious cruise, the sun is setting, and you reach for your favorite cocktail. But wait, will that be an extra charge? Understanding what’s included in your cruise fare can be confusing. This post clarifies whether drinks are included on Celebrity Cruises, exploring different packages, costs, and ways to maximize your onboard experience without breaking the bank. You’ll learn everything needed to budget effectively and enjoy the perfect beverage during your vacation.
Understanding Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
Celebrity Cruises offers a range of beverage packages designed to cater to different drinking preferences and budgets. Knowing the options available is crucial for determining the best value for your cruise. This section breaks down the different packages offered and helps you determine which one aligns with your drinking habits and desires.
Classic Package
The Classic Package is the entry-level beverage package offered by Celebrity Cruises. It provides a selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. This package is a good starting point if you are not a heavy drinker, or only enjoy select drinks during meals.
- Beers: A selection of domestic and imported beers, typically including popular brands like Budweiser, Miller Lite, and Heineken.
- Spirits: Well spirits and house wines, such as vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila.
- Cocktails: A limited list of classic cocktails made with the included spirits.
- Non-alcoholic beverages: Sodas, juices, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water.
The beer selection is generally limited to mainstream brands, so craft beer enthusiasts might find it lacking. However, it covers the basics for casual beer drinkers.
These are the standard, less expensive options. If you prefer premium brands, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-tier package.
Expect simple cocktails like rum and coke, gin and tonic, or vodka cranberry. Complex or premium cocktails are not included.
This ensures you have a wide variety of non-alcoholic options throughout your cruise, including basic coffee drinks and bottled water.
Premium Package
The Premium Package offers an expanded selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages compared to the Classic Package. This package caters to passengers who want a wider variety of drinks, including premium brands.
- Beers: Includes the Classic Package beer selection plus a wider variety of craft and imported beers.
- Spirits: Includes the Classic Package spirits plus premium brands like Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, and Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch.
- Cocktails: Access to a more extensive cocktail menu featuring premium ingredients and skilled bartenders.
- Wines by the glass: A larger selection of wines by the glass, including some premium options.
You’ll find more options for beer enthusiasts, including craft brews and international selections.
This upgrade allows you to enjoy higher-quality spirits in your cocktails and neat pours.
Expect a wider range of cocktails, including specialty drinks and more complex recipes. Martini and cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate this option.
Wine lovers will have more to choose from, with access to higher-quality wines that complement meals and evening relaxation.
Zero Proof Package
The Zero Proof package is designed for those who do not wish to consume alcohol. This package ensures that you have plenty of alternatives to alcoholic drinks to enjoy while cruising.
- Specialty Coffees and Teas: A wide range of barista-made drinks.
- Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Also known as mocktails, offering a fun and flavorful beverage experience.
- Premium Bottled Water: Access to high-quality bottled water throughout the cruise.
- Juices and Sodas: Unlimited access to a variety of juices and sodas.
Enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, and various types of tea without an additional charge. Perfect for those who enjoy a good coffee or tea.
Designed to mimic the taste of alcoholic cocktails, these drinks provide a sophisticated alternative without the alcohol.
Stay hydrated with ease, knowing that you can access premium water whenever you need it.
Offering options for a quick refreshment or a meal accompaniment, ensuring you can enjoy your favorites.
Insert a comparison chart here showing the pricing and inclusions of the Classic, Premium, and Zero Proof Packages.
What Drinks Are Included in the Cruise Fare?
Even without purchasing a beverage package, some drinks are included in the base cruise fare. Understanding these included options can help you save money and decide if a package is truly necessary. This section will clarify the drinks you can enjoy without incurring extra charges and highlight the areas where purchasing a package may be beneficial.
Basic Beverages
Certain basic beverages are always complimentary on Celebrity Cruises. This allows passengers to stay hydrated and enjoy simple drinks without incurring additional costs. These included drinks are a great way to enjoy a meal or just relax without worrying about the bill.
- Tap water: Available at all dining venues and bars.
- Basic coffee: Typically available at breakfast and in the buffet areas.
- Tea: A selection of standard teas.
- Juices: Offered during breakfast hours in the buffet.
- Milk: Available in dining areas.
Tap water is the most basic and readily available free beverage. It’s perfect for staying hydrated throughout the cruise.
Basic coffee is usually a standard drip coffee. If you prefer specialty coffee drinks, they’ll likely require an additional purchase or a beverage package.
Similar to coffee, basic tea options are usually complimentary. However, premium teas might come at an extra cost.
Juices are generally limited to breakfast. If you want juice at other times, you might need to purchase it separately or have a beverage package.
Basic milk is usually available during mealtimes. This can be a good option for kids or those who prefer milk with their meals.
Drinks at Meal Times
During meals, especially in the main dining room, certain drinks are often included. Knowing what you can enjoy at no extra cost during meal times can reduce your overall spending and help you assess the value of a beverage package.
- Water: Complimentary water is always available.
- Iced tea: Often offered alongside water.
- Coffee and tea: Typically included at breakfast and sometimes at other meals.
You can always request water with your meal. It’s a great way to stay hydrated without additional expenses.
Iced tea is a refreshing alternative to water, particularly in warmer climates.
Check with your server to see if coffee and tea are included at lunch or dinner, as policies may vary.
Limitations to Free Drinks
While some drinks are included, it’s important to understand the limitations. This helps you avoid unexpected charges and plan your beverage consumption accordingly.
- Specialty coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees are not included.
- Alcoholic beverages: All alcoholic beverages are excluded from the base fare.
- Bottled water: While tap water is free, bottled water usually comes at a cost.
These beverages are typically only available with an additional purchase or a beverage package.
Alcoholic drinks always require an extra charge or a beverage package.
If you prefer bottled water, consider purchasing it separately or including it in your beverage package.
According to a 2022 study, 45% of cruise passengers opt for beverage packages to simplify their onboard spending.
Is a Drink Package Worth the Cost on Celebrity Cruises?
Deciding whether to purchase a drink package depends on several factors, including your drinking habits, the length of your cruise, and your budget. This section provides a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision. This section also offers valuable tips for estimating your potential beverage consumption and comparing it to the cost of the available packages.
Factors to Consider
Several key factors influence the value of a drink package. Evaluating these aspects will help you determine if a package aligns with your cruising style and budget.
- Drinking habits: How many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages do you typically consume each day?
- Cruise length: Longer cruises offer more opportunities to utilize a drink package.
- Port days: Consider how many days you will be in port, where you may not utilize the package.
- Package price: Compare the cost of the package to the à la carte drink prices.
Heavy drinkers may find a beverage package more economical, while light drinkers may prefer paying as they go.
On longer voyages, the daily savings from a drink package can accumulate, making it a worthwhile investment.
If you plan on spending a lot of time off the ship, the value of a drink package decreases.
Calculate the break-even point to determine how many drinks you need to consume daily to make the package worthwhile.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
Determining the break-even point helps you assess whether a drink package offers genuine value. By calculating the average cost per drink and comparing it to the package price, you can make an informed decision.
- Calculate the daily cost of the package: Divide the total package price by the number of days in your cruise.
- Determine the average cost of your preferred drinks: Research the average price of the beverages you typically order on board.
- Divide the daily package cost by the average drink price: This result indicates how many drinks you need to consume each day to break even.
This gives you the daily cost you need to offset with your drink consumption.
This helps you estimate how much each drink would cost if purchased individually.
If you typically drink more than the break-even number, a package is likely worth it.
Case Study: Comparing Drink Package Costs
Consider a 7-night cruise where the Premium Package costs $80 per day. Individual premium cocktails average $14 each.
- Daily cost of package: $80.
- Average cost of a premium cocktail: $14.
- Break-even point: $80 / $14 = 5.7 cocktails per day.
This is the amount you would be paying each day for the package.
This is the cost of buying individual cocktails.
You need to drink approximately six premium cocktails each day to make the package worthwhile.
If you only drink 2-3 cocktails per day, paying à la carte might be more economical. However, if you enjoy 6 or more cocktails, a package can save you money.
Myths About Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
Several misconceptions surround drink packages on Celebrity Cruises. Debunking these myths will help you make a well-informed decision and avoid potential misunderstandings.
Myth 1: Everyone in the cabin must purchase the same package.
This is not always true. While Celebrity Cruises often encourages or requires all adults in a cabin to purchase a package, there are exceptions. For example, if one adult doesn’t drink alcohol, they may be eligible for a different package or an exemption. It’s best to check the specific policy at the time of booking.
Myth 2: Drink packages cover everything on the ship.
Drink packages usually have exclusions. Premium or rare liquors, high-end wines, and certain specialty beverages may not be included. Always review the package details to understand what’s covered and what’s not.
Myth 3: Drink packages are always cheaper than paying as you go.
As highlighted in the break-even analysis, this is not always the case. Light drinkers who only consume a few beverages per day might find it more cost-effective to pay for drinks individually. Analyze your drinking habits before committing to a package.
A 2023 survey found that 60% of cruise passengers who purchased drink packages regretted their decision due to overestimating their consumption.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Whether or not you opt for a drink package, there are several strategies to reduce your onboard beverage expenses. This section provides practical tips to help you enjoy your cruise without overspending on drinks. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce your overall costs and allow you to allocate your funds to other aspects of your vacation.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Many bars on Celebrity Cruises offer happy hour specials. This can be a great way to enjoy discounted drinks without committing to a full beverage package. Check the daily schedule for times and locations.
- Check the daily planner: Look for advertised happy hour deals in the ship’s daily newsletter.
- Ask bartenders: Bartenders can often inform you of any unadvertised specials.
- Plan accordingly: Time your drinks to coincide with happy hour.
The daily planner will typically list specific bars and times for happy hour, making it easy to plan your evening.
Don’t hesitate to ask the bartenders about any current promotions or discounts available at their bar.
Arriving just before happy hour starts allows you to take full advantage of the reduced prices.
Bring Your Own Wine (With Restrictions)
Celebrity Cruises allows passengers to bring a limited amount of wine onboard. This can be a significant cost-saver, especially for wine enthusiasts. However, be aware of corkage fees.
- Check the allowance: Verify the maximum amount of wine you can bring per cabin.
- Be aware of corkage fees: Celebrity Cruises charges a corkage fee for wine consumed in the dining rooms or bars.
- Enjoy in your cabin: To avoid corkage fees, consume the wine in your cabin.
The amount may vary based on the cruise line and itinerary, so confirm the current policy.
The fee covers the cost of service and glassware. It might still be cheaper than buying wine by the glass onboard.
This is a great way to enjoy your wine without additional charges, especially during pre-dinner relaxation.
Participate in Drink-Related Promotions
Keep an eye out for promotions and contests that offer free drinks or discounts. These opportunities can help you reduce your overall beverage costs. Cruise lines sometimes offer promotions during special events or holidays.
- Attend onboard events: Participate in activities and games that offer drink vouchers as prizes.
- Check for special offers: Look for limited-time deals on drinks and beverage packages.
- Join loyalty programs: Loyalty members may receive complimentary drinks or discounts.
Trivia nights, pool games, and other activities may offer free drinks as rewards.
Cruise lines sometimes run promotions offering discounted packages or individual drinks.
Enrolling in the cruise line’s loyalty program can unlock various benefits, including drink-related perks.
| Saving Tip | Description | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Hour | Enjoy discounted drinks during specified hours. | 15-30% per drink |
| Bring Your Own Wine | Bring allowed amount onboard and drink in your cabin. | $30-$50 per bottle |
| Promotions and Contests | Participate in onboard events for free drinks. | Variable, based on winnings |
FAQ
Are sodas included on Celebrity Cruises?
Sodas are generally not included in the base cruise fare on Celebrity Cruises. You can purchase them individually, or they are included in the Classic and Premium drink packages. Alternatively, the Zero Proof package offers unlimited sodas.
Can I share my drink package with someone else?
No, drink packages on Celebrity Cruises are non-transferable and intended for individual use only. Sharing a drink package is a violation of the cruise line’s policy and could result in the package being revoked without a refund.
Are there any discounts on drink packages?
Yes, sometimes Celebrity Cruises offers discounts on drink packages, especially when purchased before the cruise. Keep an eye on their website or contact a travel agent for any ongoing promotions. Loyalty members may also receive special discounts.
What happens if I don’t use my entire drink package?
Drink packages on Celebrity Cruises are valid for the duration of the cruise. Any unused portion of the package, including any remaining value, is non-refundable and cannot be carried over to future cruises.
Are specialty restaurants included in the drink packages?
Yes, the drink packages are valid in all restaurants and bars onboard Celebrity Cruises, including specialty restaurants. This allows you to enjoy your preferred beverages throughout your dining experiences.
Can I upgrade my drink package after boarding?
Yes, it is typically possible to upgrade your drink package after boarding the ship, but it’s subject to availability. You can inquire about upgrading at any bar or guest services. Be aware that you may be charged the difference between the packages.
Do I have to purchase a drink package for my children?
Celebrity Cruises may require passengers under the legal drinking age to purchase a non-alcoholic package if other adults in the cabin purchase an alcoholic package. However, this depends on the specific package and age of the children, so confirm the current policy when booking.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the beverage options on Celebrity Cruises doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the different drink packages, knowing what’s included in the base fare, and considering your personal drinking habits, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and preferences. Whether you opt for a package or pay as you go, remember that the key to an enjoyable cruise is to relax and savor every moment. Cheers to smooth sailing and delightful drinks!